The 58-year-old Matanuska has been at the dock in Ketchikan since Sunday morning, waiting for repairs, and is not expected to return to service until Saturday.

It is the ship's fourth mechanical breakdown since February, stranding passengers and imposing costs and delays on travelers with few options.

"The Matanuska is still in Ketchikan awaiting parts for repair of the starboard engine," the Alaska Marine Highway System reported in a website posting Tuesday afternoon. "It is anticipated the vessel will get underway northbound Saturday afternoon."

The state said it would publish an updated...